体坛英语新闻：American star Woods closes in on top while China's Li advances into next round at Masters

AUGUSTA, United States, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Tiger Woods' surge stole the spotlight at the Augusta National Golf Club as he closed in on the top of the standings midway through the Masters while Chinese golfer Li Haotong sailed through to the next round on Friday.

A total of five players shared the lead with seven under after Friday's second round, but Woods was one of the four players who trailed just a shot back.

"I feel like I played my own way back into the tournament," Woods said. "I was just very patient today, felt very good to be out there doing what I was doing. This is now three straight majors that I've been in the mix and so it's good stuff," Woods said.

Woods is seeking a fifth Masters title and his first major in 11 years.

Italy's Francesco Molinari, Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott, South African Luis Oosthuizen and first-round co-leader Brooks Koepka of the United States topped the leaderboard after the second round.

Veteran Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, believes he could find new glory at the Masters. "I've really worked on everything with the Masters in mind from the start of the year, much like I did in 2013," the 38-year-old Australian said.

"I probably have done every year, but a little bit more intent this year. Certainly some similarities to that year in 2013, where I want to prove to myself that I've got it, and I've worked at it," he added.

Scott beat Argentina's Angel Cabrera in a playoff in 2013 to claim his only major title to date.

Chinese star Li did not play his best, but still managed to advance into next round after scoring a 146 after two rounds. "I did not do well in the second round, but fortunately I make the next round. Hopefully I can focus and have a good weekend," the 23-year-old Li said.